African leaders have been urged to follow in the footsteps of Senegal’s new President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, by publicly declaring their assets. The call was made by The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), a civil society organization, in a statement released to mark Faye’s inauguration as President.

Faye, at 44 years old, made history by winning the March 24, 2024 presidential election in Senegal, becoming the youngest democratically elected President in West Africa. Representing the opposition African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics, and Fraternity (PASTEF), Faye secured 54.3% of the votes, defeating his main rival from the governing coalition, former prime minister Amadou Ba.

In a bold move towards transparency, Faye publicly disclosed his assets in a publication titled ‘Heritage Declaration of the Candidate Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye’, posted on his Facebook page. The declaration included details of his assets and liabilities dating back to October 2007.

Among his assets, Faye listed a house on 200 m2 of land in Mermoz, two vehicles, undeveloped plots of land, and money in two bank accounts. He also revealed his liabilities, including loans taken from various sources.

CHRICED commended Faye for his transparency and called on other African leaders to follow suit, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. The organization highlighted the role of asset declaration in preventing corruption and unethical behavior, urging leaders to lead by example.

Looking ahead, CHRICED advised Faye to prioritize national interest and the well-being of the Senegalese people in managing the anticipated oil revenue, to avoid the pitfalls experienced by other oil-rich nations. The organization also encouraged Faye to work towards revitalizing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and promoting the original vision of the regional body.

In conclusion, Faye’s commitment to transparency and accountability sets a positive precedent for governance in Africa, and his leadership presents a new opportunity for the voice of young Africans in regional administration. By upholding the values of transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership, Faye has the potential to make a significant impact on the future of Senegal and the region as a whole.